1. Ease off the gas pedal

Even if you use all the gas-saving tips in the book, you'll still waste gas if you don’t lighten up your lead foot.

Driving aggressively -- think speeding, rapid acceleration and braking -- can lower your gas mileage by as much as 33%, wasting anywhere from 20 cents to $1.35 per gallon, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).

Keep in mind that cars are most fuel efficient when you're driving at around 55 miles per hour, says Jeff Bartlett, deputy editor online for ConsumerReports.org. According to a recent ConsumerReports.com study, when a Toyota Camry's speed increased to 65 miles per hour (mph) from 55, its fuel economy dropped by five miles per gallon (mpg). Another thing to consider: Chances are your pedal-to-the-metal driving will leave you with costly speeding tickets. (Read our story [http://www.smartmoney.com/deal-of-the-day/index.cfm?story=20060728] for advice on how to talk your way out of a ticket).

One easy tip: Next time you hit the highway for a long drive, shift into cruise control, which "can be an effortless way to get more fuel economy," says Bartlett.

Read our story for more ways to reap gas savings.

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